082: June 25th Special with Damien Shields and TJ

June 25th, 2018 marks the ninth anniversary of Michael Jackson’s tragic passing. Jamon and Q are joined by their long-time MJ mates, Damien Shields and TJ, to celebrate and honour the King of Pop. This episode is one of inevitable sadness, but also a time to share good memories and even a laugh or two. Friends since they were teenagers, the ‘Awesome Foursome’ reflect on their childhood fandoms, the birth of their friendship, and how they came up with the original seed of an idea that would become The MJCast. As this is TJ’s first time on the show, he tells his fan story. This episode also features memories about Michael Jackson from previous guests and correspondents, along with tribute songs.

Damien Shields last appeared on The MJCast way back in Season Two, though, as regular listeners know, his work is referenced often on the show. Damien is the author of the book Xscape Origins, runs A Truth Untoldwhich investigates the truth around the posthumous Michael album, and has published a wide range of articles related to Michael Jackson. He plans to release an updated version of Xscape Origins this year, and has some new projects in the works, as well.

TJ is an Aussie MJ fan best known for his “Aussie English translation” videos on YouTube. His open letter, “To The Bullies”, was featured in the 2011 book, It Gets Better, alongside a myriad of inspirational contributors such as Chaz Bono, Darren Hayes, Ellen Degeneres, and President Barack Obama. His latest video is a half hour documentary, “The Michael Jackson Trial: One of the Most Shameful Episodes In Journalistic History”, based on the incredible article by Charles Thomson.

Main Discussion Topics
Thoughts on The MJCast’s interview with Aphrodite Jones.
• Special memories of Michael Jackson.
• TJ’s fan story.
• The MJCast’s origin story!

Finds of the Week
Damien Shields – Trevor Nelson: Thriller (Michael Jackson’s Masterpiece)
TJ – Michael Trapson: Thriller Remake (The Grave)

Additional Links
Damien Shields‘ website & Twitter.
• A Truth Untold‘s Twitter.
• Xscape Origins‘ website.
• TJ’s TabloidJunk YouTube channel and Twitter.
The MJCast – Episode 027: Sony/ATV Purchase Roundtable (Damien’s last appearance on The MJCast)
The MJCast – Episode 008: Xscape Origins Special

Ad & Music Breaks
Akon – Cry Out of Joy
The Commodores – Nightshift 2010 (A Tribute to Michael Jackson)
• Judith Hill – I Will Always Be Missing You on YouTube and Apple Music
• Scott and Michelle Dalziel – Timeless on YouTube and Apple Music

Connect with Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
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YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

068: Thriller Night Special with Ola Ray

Thirty-five years after Thriller album’s release, Michael Jackson’s titular short film remains a Halloween staple. To mark the anniversary, Q and Jamon are joined on this special episode by none other than Michael’s Thriller co-star, Ola Ray.

In 1983, it seemed like every young woman wanted to be Ola Ray, strutting hand-in-hand with the King of Pop at the zenith of his career. But in this exclusive chat with The MJCast, Ola talks about the dark side of Hollywood. Among her revelations is that she was high the first time she joined Michael on the set of the video.

After discussing her brief friendship with Michael – including the last time she ever saw him – Ola speaks of her annoyance and not being invited to Sony/Estate events organised to mark Thriller’s 35th anniversary, and also gives an insight into her ongoing legal action against the Estate over its alleged failure to pay her the royalties demanded by her contract.

Additionally, Ola gives listeners a preview of her upcoming book, The Thrill Of It All, in which she says she will spill the beans about her time as one of Hugh Hefner’s playmates and – in the wake of the recent litany of allegations against various powerful men in Hollywood – claims she will expose how she was taken advantage of as a young, aspiring actress.

Links
• 
Ola Maria Ray’s Instagram and Facebook pages
• 
The MJCast – Episode 019: Thriller Night Halloween Special with LaVelle Smith Jr.
• The MJCast – Episode 043: Thriller Night Special feat. CJ DeVillar
• The MJCast – Episode 064: Vincent Patterson Special
• Ola Ray’s Playmate of the Day page
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller short film
• The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller
• Michael discusses Thriller on MTV’s ‘100 Greatest Videos Ever Made’ TV special
• The MJCast – Episode 066: Long Hair Don’t Care
• MJ’s Halloween Crypt; a terrific MJ/Halloween playlist free on Soundcloud by listener @DoggoneLover88

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
Michael Jackson – PYT (The Reflex Edit)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (Louis La Roche Remix)
• Michael Jackson – Threatened (Nick* Crook County Remix)
• Taylor Davis – Thriller

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!